When looking back at weddings you have attended, it’s likely you don’t remember the exact flatware at the reception tables or the flowers lining the ceremony aisle. Rather, you remember the emotions you felt for the couple, conversations and dance floor moments with other guests, and how easy (or difficult) the setup and flow of the event was. A shortage of food, communication confusion, or a not-so-temperate venue will make a way bigger impact on guests’ memories of your wedding day than your linen choices.
Many couples are now placing guest experience to the forefront when creating plans for their wedding day—and luckily, just a few small touches can make all the difference. “It’s all about anticipating needs before guests even realize they have them,” says wedding planner Fallon Carter. “When people feel like they’ve been thought of at every turn, the event becomes an experience they won’t forget.”
Here, we asked wedding planners to share some small yet essential things you can add to your wedding to make your guests feel well taken care of.
An Informative Wedding Website
As we’re now firmly in the digital age, creating a wedding website has become as essential to wedding planning as picking out a caterer. Putting extra thought into what exactly you put on the site will make all the difference to guests. “A great wedding website should answer questions before guests even think to ask them,” says Carter. “That means clear itineraries, maps, dress code visuals, transportation tips, and even restaurant recommendations for their free time.”
Interactive RSVPs
When collecting RSVPs, don’t just ask for a yes or no response. Especially if you’re using an online RSVP system, don’t be afraid to add more questions that can help you be more thoughtful of your guest’s experience. “Beyond just meal choices, asking guests if they have dietary restrictions, need childcare, or have a favorite song request can make the entire event feel more personalized and smooth,” says Carter.
Hiring a Travel Concierge
“It is so important to communicate with the guests that are coming in from out of town ahead of time and anticipate their needs,” says Julian Leaver of Julian Leaver Events. “We partner with Wedaways to allow the guests a concierge-like experience to know what is happening with their transportation, booking their hotel rooms, and knowing what things will look like on the ground. We know assisting them ahead of time then allows the guests to relax and enjoy their time without stressing about the worries of travel.”
Creating a WhatsApp Group for Guests
Have a full wedding weekend in a far-off destination? Keeping up good communication with all your guests is essential. While you might not be able to get your grandma to figure it out, creating a WhatsApp group to relay important announcements or schedule reminders can be incredibly helpful. “It is a simple way to share where to go, who to look for, and photos of the area to make it easier for them to find,” says Leaver. “We want to anticipate their needs ahead of time and be able to communicate effectively and quickly with them.” Another perk of creating a group? Guests can give updates on what they’re up to in between your planned events and can organize impromptu hangouts at the room block hotel’s pool or bar.
Seamless Transportation
Photo: Kim Raaf
